Anna's POV
The auctioneer's voice faded to background noise as I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. Despite the plush leather chair and perfect temperature of Sapphire Sky Hotel's auction room, something felt off. An invisible thread of tension pulled at my awareness, making it impossible to focus on the elegant land portfolios spread before us.
I glanced at Marcus on my right, his expression calm and calculating as he studied the Nestling Crest Bay documents. Catherine sat to my left, scrolling through her phone with open disinterest. But that feeling-that distinct sensation of being watched-wouldn't dissipate.
It had started the moment we entered the grand hall. At first, I'd dismissed it as the usual attention our appearance together naturally commanded. But now, with the auction formally beginning and the crowd settled, that gaze bore into us with unmistakable intensity.
